prognostication

noun

prog·​nos·​ti·​ca·​tion (ˌ)präg-ˌnä-stə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce prognostication (audio)
1
: an indication in advance : foretoken
2
a
: an act, the fact, or the power of prognosticating : forecast

Examples of prognostication in a Sentence

the complete fulfillment of his prognostication surprised even him at the sight of the brooding mansion, her prognostications of ill fortune grew stronger
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Topline Stocks’ Tuesday bounce concluded a solid stretch of gains heading into the election, securing a historically accurate stock market predictor for a Vice President Kamala Harris victory, though recent counterexamples potentially cloud the prognostication. Derek Saul, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 For those of us who love our backyards, that’s not such a bad prognostication. Stephanie Pearson, WIRED, 31 May 2021 There was no mention in the study of whether the finger was used to perform any type of invasive prognostication. New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2024 Richman’s name has cropped up in prognostications regarding February’s Grammy Awards, particularly as a contender for best new artist. Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prognostication 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pronosticacioun, prognosticacyon "action of foretelling events, prediction, sign portending an event," borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French pronosticacion, borrowed from Medieval Latin pronōsticātiōn-, pronōsticātiō (also with -g-) "forecast, prognosis," from prognōsticāre, pronōsticāre "to predict, forecast, portend" + Latin -tiōn-, tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at prognosticate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prognostication was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near prognostication

Cite this Entry

“Prognostication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prognostication. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

prognostication

noun
prog·​nos·​ti·​ca·​tion (ˌ)präg-ˌnäs-tə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce prognostication (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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